Delhi to intensify pollution check for CWG

NEW DELHI - With the Commonwealth Games in mind, the Delhi government Saturday said it will intensify pollution checks in the capital.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit convened a meeting with officials and discussed about the possible increase in pollution level during the Oct 3-14 Games.

“There will be an unprecedented increase in quantum of traffic during the Games. It will be in the fitness of things if number of vehicles coming from other states may be minimized at least during those days,” Dikshit said.

As of now, around one million vehicles daily enter the capital.

It was also decided to intensify pollution check drives in Delhi and exhort people to go for regular pollution under control (PUC) checks.

Dikshit also suggested that all coal-based power stations be shut down during the duration of the Games.

It was also decided that timings would be strictly enforced for trucks plying in the city.

During the meeting it was also suggested that in case of parking at unauthorized places the amount of fine may be increased along with the hike in parking charges to discourage use of private vehicles.

Since schools and colleges will remain closed during the Games so 1,200 school buses and 2,500 maxi cabs will remain off the roads.

Dikshit also stressed upon the need of a short-time and long-time strategy to de-congest roads.